irritant

1 of 2

noun

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: something that irritates or excites

irritant

2 of 2

adjective

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce physical irritation

Synonyms

Noun

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• bugbear
• exasperation
• frustration
• hair shirt
• hassle
• headache
• inconvenience
• irk
• nuisance
• peeve
• pest
• rub
• ruffle
• thorn
• trial
• vexation

Examples of irritant in a Sentence

Noun

dust and other lung irritants

The delay was a minor irritant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

People who are repeatedly exposed to respiratory irritants, like smoking, are most at risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). —Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025

Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this lippie is free from fragrance, essential oils, flavor and other common irritants. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Breathing through your nose can draw more of the irritant into your eyes. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

Avoid voluntary irritant exposure: Don't smoke and steer clear of campfires and wood-burning stoves. —Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1636, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: tending to produce anger, annoyance, impatience, soreness, or inflammation

especially : tending to produce physical irritation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates

Medical Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce inflammation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates or excites

specifically : an agent by which irritation is produced

a chemical irritant